Houston Matters host Craig Cohen has interviewed Ira a number of times over the years, and so he knew, to some degree, what to expect when the two taped a conversation him last week.

So, in the spirit of his upcoming performance, Craig, in the audio above, shares with us Seven Things I’ve Learned About Interviewing Ira Glass.

Lesson 1: Ira is a busy man. He, of course, produces This American Life each week. He’s also behind the popular podcast Serial, and he’s even doing movies these days. So, don’t be offended if he doesn’t know you’re interviewing him. He’s just trying to keep up.

Lesson 2: He’s a total pro. And so, he’ll humor your ridiculously long-winded attempt at a question, when a less-thoughtful guest might just blurt out, “Get to the point already, Cohen!”

Lesson 3: Ira will deftly deny the premise of your question while also complimenting you for asking it.

Lesson 4: The interview will, at some point, take…well, a turn.

Lesson 5: Ira will pull the interview back from the brink and justify the turn the conversation has taken.

Lesson 6: The interview taking a turn may actually be your fault.

Lesson 7: The interview isn’t really over until it’s been edited. And Ira may have some suggestions there.

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Craig Cohen

Executive Producer/Host, Houston Matters

Craig Cohen is the executive producer and host of Houston Matters, which airs weekdays at noon and 7 p.m. on Houston Public Media, News 88.7 FM. Craig is a 20+ year veteran of broadcast journalism. He's spent the bulk of his career in public media, in roles ranging from programmer and...